Harbor Master Displacement 19 by Bateau.com

Small but able outboard cruiser based on a dory style hull.

The HMD19 is another evolution of the popular HM19. It uses a true displacement hull that is suited for lower speed and has low power requirements. What we kept from the original hull was the high bow and a very similar nice classic sheer line.

Performance

This is a displacement hull and will never plane. Maximum HP is 25, but that will be a bit too much for this moderate size boat. Better propulsion options are 4 stroke outboards in the 8-15 HP range, especially those engines that have high reduction ratio gearboxes and slower turning propellers. Cruising speeds will range from 5-6.5 knots, depending on engine selection. She will be fuel efficient and comfortable in rougher conditions, compared to her faster sister ships.

Layout

One can't offer standing headroom in that size boat without compromising stability and looks. An ugly boat is not worth building. Some believe that boxy hulls have hidden qualities or are easier to build: not true. Looks and behavior go together: if she is pretty, most of the time she will handle well. If she is a bad boat, she usually looks like it. The pilothouse is just right: one can sit with good clearance above his head but see above it when standing in the cockpit. The cabin is almost the same, with the addition of about 1' on the aft end to give a bit more room for galley counters.

From stern to bow

Large lockers on each side of the motorwell can be used for storage or bait well. The self-bailing cockpit sole is high enough to stay above the waterline until the displacement reaches 3,300 lbs.

Under the cockpit floor, we show a fixed fuel tank, ideal for a four-stroke engine but if you need more range, there is room for a second tank. The fuel tank fittings end up under the motorwell to make connections and access to a fuel filter as easy as possible: no need for chase tubes, easy installation of all hoses. A fixed fuel tank is not required: portable tanks can be installed under the seats or secured in the cockpit. Also under the sole is provision for a fresh water tank.

Under the nicely cambered pilothouse roof, the rear frame of the pilothouse doubles as a grabrail. There are storage boxes/galley counters behind the helm chairs that are large enough for a sink and 2 burner stove.

The skipper will find enough room in front of the wheel to mount electronics and we use the extension of the cabin roof as a dashboard. The same surface on the port side can be a small chart table.

Access to the cabin is through an open companionway but feel free to install a sliding hatch.

The vee berth is 6' 6" long and a Porta-Potti slides under the mid section. On deck, the 8" wide gunwales extend all along the pilothouse and cabin side. Handrails on each roof helps circulation forward. A small toe rail runs all long the sheer line.

Options

There is room for a bench in the rear if one needs more seating.

Under the gunwales, the frames can be cut to act as rod holders. There is ample storage room in the seat boxes: they extend all the way to the hull sides. With the proper foam insulation, a seatbox can be used as an ice box.

The pilothouse can be partially or completed closed with Plexiglas or Lexan but builders should keep the size of the boat in mind and not make the topsides too heavy or excessively increase windage. Framed or hinged windows are possible but keep them light.

We show a small hatch in the roof for light and ventilation, no portholes but they are easy to add.

The HMD18 can be made unsinkable with expandable buoyancy foam under the sole while foam sheets glued under the gunwales will guarantee upright floatation.